Vietnam PM calls for US hi-tech investment, sees deals sealed

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has once again called on American companies to invest in Vietnam with a focus on high technology in order to realize the U.S. commitment to a strong, independent, resilient and prosperous Vietnam.

Chinh made the call at the Vietnam-U.S. Business Forum in San Francisco on September 18 during a week-long working visit to the U.S.

Priority should be given to science-technology and innovation, particularly digital technology, energy transition, and circular and sharing economies, the Vietnamese PM noted.

Vietnam will welcome all businesses that adhere to the law and uphold stability and effectiveness for the prosperity of the Southeast Asian country and the U.S., the head of the Vietnamese government stated.

“This is the best way to heal wounds, put the past aside, and head to the future,” he said, referring to a stance that promotes cooperation between the two former war adversaries.

At the forum, Chinh and Vietnamese officials witnessed the signing of a number of commercial deals. Among them, an agreement was inked between government-run State Capital Investment Corporation, Vinapharm and Biomed on building a joint venture to produce biopharmaceuticals and a research & development center in Vietnam.

The other deals were signed between Vietnam Post and Telecommunications Group and Qualcomm Technologies; telco Mobifone and Jupiter Networks; and Rikkeisoft Vietnam and RKTech.

Chinh is leading a high-ranking delegation of nine ministers on a visit to the U.S. from September 17-23 during which he will attend the General Debate of the 78th UNGA session, and meet U.S. officials, lawmakers and businesses.

During a 24-hour visit to Hanoi earlier this month, U.S. President Joe Biden and Vietnam’s top leader Nguyen Phu Trong announced the upgrade of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Biden and Chinh agreed to make science-technology, innovation, and investment a new pillar in their partnership, paving the way for stronger cooperation between businesses.